An inconsistent Chelsea side visits the Emirates searching for
a win which would take keep in the title hunt. 18 Yard Box takes a look at the two battles on the pitch which could prove pivotal in deciding the fate of
the match.
It does not take a second invitation for Jose Mourinho to
start playing mind games with the opponents. The rather outspoken manager,
however, had nothing but respect for Arsene Wenger. With both declaring that
this game is not a personal war, it remains to be seen as how the teams battle
it out in the centre.
18 Yard Box takes a look at the two battles on the pitch
which could prove to be the game changing ones.
THEO WALCOTT V/S CESAR AZPILLICUETA
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The return of Theo Walcott has added an extra dimension which the
Arsenal side lacked in the past games. His pace and pin point crosses would
be the key for Arsenal in the run for the top 4 in the previous seasons. Previously
to the return of the English man, the Gunners lacked an out and out winger
who could threaten the full backs. The young Serge Gnabry was often used as a
deputy when the game went out of hands for the Gunners. However, the return
of the 24 year old has added an assurance in the Arsenal front line.
Walcott had an amazing last season, scoring 14 goals in the Premier
League. His movements have always been the difficult for the defenders to
track and with his searing pace, he has the habit of leaving the defender in
his wake. What makes Walcott a complete hitman is his ability to find the net
from tight situations. His finishing has greatly improved and he would be
looking to make a mark on the big stage.
However, it wont be easy for the Arsenal winger as he will be up
against the young Spanish full back Cesar Azpillicueta. The 24 year old
joined the Blues from Marseille last season for a reported 7 million Euros but
had found breaking into the starting XI difficult last season. The tables
have turned this season as the ‘Special One’ prefers the Spanish right back
over Ashley Cole in the left back position. Although unaccustomed to this
role, Azpillicueta has done quite well to adjust. However, lack of
concentration and being a part of an inconsistent defence has seen his resume
being spoilt.
It certainly wont be easy for the young Spaniard to mark Walcott and
he needs to be absolutely switched on. He needs to be wary of the runs which
Walcott could make off his shoulders and also to track back when Arsenal hit
on the counter. One area which the former Osasuna man can exploit is the fact
that Walcott is uni dimensional. Running in straight lines and cutting inside
is all the Englishman has shown so far. This could well be stopped if one of
the wingers help Azpillicueta out.
Walcott edges this one as his experience in the Premier League will
come into play greatly. Moreover, Azpillicueta, being a conventional right
back, might struggle against Walcott’s pace.
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MATHIEU FLAMINI V/S OSCAR
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Probably the biggest surprise of the season has been the emergence of
Mathieu Flamini. The 29 year Old Frenchman had left the Gunners on a sour
note to join AC Milan in 2008. However, an injury raven spell at the Rossoneri
had seen his appearances
restricted to 96 in five seasons. The
former Marseille man returned to the Gunners this season for a free transfer.
It was greatly speculated that Flamini would not do much to bolster the
Gunners’ defence. However, he has done quite well do drown his critics.
Flamini has been the rock in the central midfield. Flying tackles, great
physical strength, excellent passing accuracy, ability to break the play and
a knack of popping in places to grab occasional goals are the attributes
which Flamini brings to the Arsenal midfield. He has been the much needed
defensive minded mifielder which Arsenal needed since the times of Gilberto
Silva. He, alongwith Aaron Ramsey, have forged a stable midfield partnership.
However, his job is not
going to be easy as tracking Oscar is no mean feat. The Brazillian has been
in scintillating form ever since his arrival at the Bridge. His intricate passes
and his ability to spread the play when required has seen him being touted as
one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. With Mourinho having
bundles of praise for the former
Internacional man, the 22 year old also has added the defensive side to his
game by tracking back and helping the defenders. He also possess the tricks
to get past men and also can be deployed deep in the midfield to control the
play.
Flamini needs to be on his
heels if he needs to track his man as Oscar, Schurrle and Hazard have been
formidable this season. Flamini also needs to be wary of over committing and
getting himself booked in the process. Oscar leads the battle between the two
as his pace and vision could just see him getting fouled too many times by
the Frenchman and eventually getting booked.
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Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh is a writer for Goal.com India, International, contributor for AIS and a writer and editor for 18 Yard Box.
Follow Rishabh Ghai on Twitter
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